The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have jointly announced a third Free and Secure Trade (FAST) enrollment event taking place from November 29 – December 3 at the Champlain, NY port of entry in New York state. Instructions on how to register are available in both official languages here:
It’s anticipated that interview slots for conditionally approved new FAST applicants will be available beginning Monday.
Interview slots are limited for this event, so carriers are encouraged to have their drivers register as soon as possible if they wish to complete their application process and obtain their FAST card.
Individuals that are travelling in their personal vehicles to attend an in-person interview at Champlain, must ensure they meet admissibility requirements to enter the US, and re-entry requirements for return to Canada for non-essential travel.
Both CBSA and CBP have worked collaboratively since the beginning of the pandemic to navigate border restrictions and the evolving conditions of the pandemic. CBSA and CBP previously conducted two FAST events at Fort Erie, ON and Aldergrove, BC which were highly successful, with over 1500 drivers being interviewed, making significant progress in reducing the current backlog of FAST applicants.
CTA would like to thank the staff of the Quebec Trucking Association for working with the Alliance, Quebec regional and provincial officials on planning for the event.
CTA will continue to work with CBSA and CBP on additional pilots in regions across Canada that continue to show a significant need for new FAST drivers. CTA is optimistic that further events will be scheduled in 2022 and will update members as more information becomes available.